EU adopts Return Regulation to tighten migrant repatriation, sparking child‑rights concerns

On 17 June 2026 the European Parliament adopted a new EU Return Regulation that complements the EU Asylum and Migration Pact. The law creates a Europe‑wide return certificate, mutual recognition of return decisions and common procedural standards, and introduces “Return Hubs” in third‑country states where people without residence rights may be transferred.

The regulation aims to harmonise and speed up the removal of irregular migrants, addressing the EU Commission’s finding that only a small share of return decisions are currently enforced. Save the Children Germany has launched a campaign called “Stand Up for Every Child”, arguing that several provisions breach EU fundamental rights. The organisation highlights that children could be detained for up to 30 months or sent to non‑EU countries with no ties, and calls on governments and citizens to safeguard child welfare. The law is expected to be formally adopted by the EU Council in September.